Byzantine Pilgrim Flask in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Pilgrim Flask


Creator: Byzantine (Artist)

Period: 6th-7th century (Late Antique)

Medium: terracotta (Ceramics)

Accession Number: 48.2521

Measurements: 2 11/16 x 1 15/16 x 7/8 in. (6.8 x 4.9 x 2.2 cm)

Geographies: Ephesus (in present-day Turkey) (?) (Place of Origin)

This flask shows a shrouded figure, perhaps Lazarus, emerging from the partially opened doors of a tomb. On the reverse is a cross under an arch. These two images evoked the pilgrim's belief in Christ's victory over death and the final resurrection of all believers. The flask could be worn around the neck as a kind of protective souvenir.

Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/19490/pilgrim-flask/